27 Beautiful Country Walks Near London: Nice Scenic Places to Walk

Find Nice Country Walks Near London for a Day Out

One of the best ways to escape the city is going on country walks near London on the weekend. London is a busy place, and I often need a quick escape from all the bustle. A peaceful walk is a perfect cure for any city stress and a great way to reinvigorate me for the week ahead.

There are plenty of beautiful walks outside of London that you can access by train, car, tube, or even overground. It is possible to get to the countryside, enjoy nature and return all in one day. Discover rural places to walk your dog, forests to explore with your family, or scenic landscapes for a romantic stroll with your other half.

Say goodbye to the smog and hello to fields of wildflowers with this list of the best country walks near London below.

Find country walks near London!

Ashridge & Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire

This walk near Berkhamstead is a circular walk with a few stunning viewpoints along the way. The most famous view is the Ivinghoe Beacon.

This walk includes: three miles of The Ridgeway trail, a mile from the Icknield Way trail, walking along with Ashridge Estate

• Best for Breathtaking views
• Distance: 14.5km (9 miles)
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Map of the walk: Ashridge & Ivinghoe Beacon Route (about-britian.com)
• Start & finish: Tring Station
• Getting There: You can get a train from London Euston to Tring Station. The journey is 36 minutes in length. The Ridgeway footpath starts 300m from the station.
• Where to take a break: Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre

“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” – Friedrich Nietzsch

Ashridge Estate in Berkhamsted

Ashridge Estate offers beautiful woodland trails. In the autumn, you can find orange and yellow colors all around. In the spring, there are stunning clusters of bluebells. Not to mention a wide variety of wildlife, such as deer and birds, throughout the seasons. This walk is about 6 miles and starts at the Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre. This is a moderate stroll through the woods that are marked. You can learn more about Ashridge Estate here.

• Best for Autumn colors, bluebells, and a day out with your family
• Distance: 9.4 km (5.9 miles)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Route details: Ashridge Estate Walk (National Trust)
• My review: Find my review and more photos of this walk in autumn
• Start & finish: Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre
• Getting There: By train – Trains are running from London Euston to Tring train station (journey time 45 minutes). This station is 1.75 miles from Ashridge Estate. You can get a taxi upon arrival or even walk to Ashridge. On the way home, take the train from Tring station to London Euston (journey time about 40 minutes). There is an entrance to Monument Drive, and the Estate Visitor Centre is off the B4506 between Berkhamsted and Dagnall if you drive there. Parking is free.
• Where to take a break: Have lunch at the visitor center

Epping Forest, The Oak Trail in Essex

 

This is a 6.6-mile circular hike that starts and finishes at Theydon Bois underground station. There is half a mile of walking on the street, but the rest of the walk is in Epping forest. Green waymarkers mark this walk. You will pass Ambresbury Banks, an iron age fort along the way (the site of Boudica’s last stand against the Romans), and a deer park.

• Best for: An iron age fort and deer spotting!
• Distance: 10.6km (6.6 miles)
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Start & finish: Theydon Bois station
• Getting There: You can take the London Underground from Liverpool Street to Theydon Bois station. Journey time is 35 minutes on the Central line. You can also take the underground from Marble Arch (journey time 48 minutes).
• Where to take a break: The Bull Pub (near Theydon Bois station)

Flatford & Constable Country Walk in the Stour Valley & Dedham Vale

This moderate-level walk allows you to explore the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale. This area was made famous by the paintings of 18th-century English landscape artist John Constable. He painted many views of the area and described the area to his friend John Fisher as ‘The sound of water escaping from Mill dams… Willows, Old rotten Banks, slimy posts, & brickwork. I love such things… As long as I paint, I shall never cease to paint such Places……’

• Best for Picturesque landscapes
• Distance: 6.4km (4 miles) or 9km (7 miles)
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (or 3 hours 45 minutes on optional loop)
• Start & finish: Manningtree station
• Getting There: Trains run to Manningtree station (London Liverpool Street to Ipswich line). If you are driving, go off A137 Harwich to Ipswich road, and there is a car park at Manningtree station.
• Where to take a break: Stop at the Manningtree Station Buffet

Saunderton via West Wycombe Circular in Buckinghamshire

This is an easy walk through the Chilterns with woodlands and sloping meadows. Go southeast over the Chiltern Hills to Bradenham (you are given the option at this point to cut the walk short by 6km with a diversion off the main route). From Bradenham, head to Naphill Common and Flagmore Wood to Hughenden Manor. The road from Hughdenden heads west across Downley Common to the West Wycombe Caves. You might like to stop for lunch at this point at a cafe in the caves. Then, climb from the caves to Dashwood Mausoleum and return to Saunderton.

• Best for: A family walk
• Distance: 16km (10 miles)
• Duration: 5 hours
• Start & Finish: Saunderton Station
• Getting There: Trains are running hourly between Marylebone and Saunderton. The journey time is 42-51 minutes. There is a free car park at Saunderton Station if you are driving.
• OS Landranger Map: 165
• OS Explorer Map: 172
• Where to take a break: Cafe at the caves or The Golden Cross (near Saunderton station)

Chorleywood & Chess Valley in Hertfordshire

The Chess Valley in the Chiltern Hills runs northwards from Rickmansworth. You can access these hiking trails through the countryside and parkland from Chorleywood station. This walk goes on The Chiltern Way trail and is on rural paths (except for the final mile along residential roads).

• Best for Beautiful valleys and countryside
• Distance: 9.6km (6 miles)
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Map of the walk: Chorleywood & Chess Valley Route (from about-britain.com)
• Start & Finish: Chorleywood Station
• Getting There: Trains are running from London Marylebone station to Chorleywood station. The journey time is 27 minutes. There is pay-and-display parking at Chorleywood station if you are driving.
• Where to take a break: The Rose and Crown Pub (near Chorleywood station)

Henley via Stonor Circular in Oxfordshire

Many consider Henley a riverside town, but it is also on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills. This offers a pretty area of hidden valleys, woodland, and farmland. This walk takes you up one side and down the other of a valley heading up to Stonor. First, you might stop for lunch at the Crown Inn in Pishill. Then, the walk goes past hidden farms and ancient woodland into Henley.

If you want to shorten the walk, enjoy the country lanes from the Rainbow Inn in Middle Assendon. This will shorten the route to 14km (8.8 miles).

• Best for Beautiful valleys and woodland
• Distance: 21.9km (13.7 miles)
• Duration: 7 hours
• Start & finish: Henley on Thames station
• Getting There: Some trains run hourly between Paddington and Henley, changing at Twyford. The journey time is one hour. If you are driving, there is a railway station with a car park that charges £2.20 per day, or you can park in Henley town center.
• OS Landranger Map: 175
• OS Explorer Map: 171
• Where to take a break: Crown Inn, Crispins, or Henley Tea Rooms

“Walking is also an ambulation of mind.” – Gertel Ehrlich

Cliveden Green Walking Trail in Maidenhead

This walk offers beautiful views over the River Thames and the pleasure of walking through Cliveden’s country estate. The Cliveden Estate and Gardens is open daily for most of the year. Find woodlands and views of the countryside.

• Best for Views overlooking the River Thames
• Distance: 3.75km (2.33 miles)
• Duration: 1 hour
• Route details: Cliveden Green Walking Route (National Trust)
• Start & finish: woodland car park
• Getting There: Trains are running to Taplow station (1.3 miles from the start of the walk). Trains are not running to Taplow station on Sunday. You can also train to Burnham (3 miles from the beginning). If you are driving, the postcode for your Sat Nav is SL6 0HJ, and there is a car park upon arrival. Please keep in mind admission charges may apply.
• Where to take a break: Have lunch at the Orangery Cafe

Coulsdon South Circular in Surrey

This walk begins in the suburbs of London and heads through Farthing Downs, Kenley Common, Riddlesdown, and Coulsdon Commons (all ancient grazing lands). In the spring, there are many wildflowers. In the summer, there are many places to stop for a picnic. If you want to stop somewhere for lunch, there is The Fox in Coulsdon Commons.

• Best for: A picnic break
• Distance: 14.2km (8.9 miles)
• Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Start & finish: Coulsdon South Station
• Getting There: Two trains per hour (more at peak times and one per hour on Sundays) run from London Bridge and London Victoria to Coulsdon South. The journey time is 23-39 minutes. If you are driving, remember that there is minimal parking at Coulsdon South.
• OS Landranger Map: 187
• OS Explorer Map: 146 (and 161 if you begin in Riddlesdown)
• Where to take a break: The Fox Pub

Woldingham & North Downs in Surrey

This walk goes along the North Downs in a completely rural location. You will go past Woldingham school, past Godstone Vineyards, along the North Downs Way trail, through Great Church Wood nature reserve, and back to the station. You should expect a lot of ups and downs!

• Best for: A challenging walk
• Distance: 8.6km (5.4 miles)
• Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Map of the walk: Woldingham & North Downs Walk Route (about-britain.com)
• Start & finish: Woldingham Station
• Getting There: Trains are going from London Victoria to Woldingham station. The journey time is 32 minutes from London, Victoria. If you are driving, there is a park and display car park at Woldingham station.
• Where to take a break: At Godstone Vineyards for some wine tasting

“I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” – G. M. Trevelyan

Egham to Runnymede Circular Walk in Windsor

The meadows at Runnymede have a long-running history dating back to the sealing of the Magna Carta. This circular walk takes you around the Runnymede nature reserve – through ancient woodlands, wetlands, and bright wildflower meadows. Langham Pond and the ancient forests are considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the many endangered species and since it is a place of historical significance.

• Best for: Discovering history and rare wildlife
• Distance: 5.9km (3.7 miles)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Route details: Egham to Runnymede Walk (National Trust)
• Start & finish: Egham train station
• Getting There: You can get a train from London Waterloo to Egham station (journey time varies from 37 to 57 minutes). On the way home, you can get the train from Egham station to London Waterloo (journey time 41 to 49 minutes). If you are driving, there are pay and display car parks in Egham town center, or you can park at the National Trust Runnymede’s car park and start the walk at a different point.
• OS Landranger Map: 160
• Where to take a break: Golden Cafe (20 High Street, Egham)
• For a short break in Windsor: Check out affordable package deals here

Petts Wood in Bromley

This walk starts at Jubilee Country Park and passes through Hawkwood Estate and across Kyd Brook River. You will pass the Edelman and Willett Memorials and Brickley Manor.

• Best for Woodland and meadows
• Distance: 6.4km (4 miles)
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Route details: Petts Wood Walk (pdf) (from the Borough of Bromley)
• Start & finish: Tent Peg Lane Car Park
• Getting There: Trains are running to Petts Wood train station regularly. You can then walk .3 miles (7 minutes) to start the walk. If you are driving, there is a Tent Peg Lane car park off Crest View Drive, Petts Wood.
• Where to take a break: The Rising Sun for some sushi (near Petts Wood station)

“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” – Henry David Thoreau

Osterley Park Stroll in Isleworth

Osterley Park has a beautiful landscape of parkland and gardens. This walk includes flat grassy paths perfect for a gentle stroll at Osterley Park House, trees, parks, playgrounds, and a pond/stream from three long lakes. Please keep in mind that this park is closed in the evenings.

• Best for Beautiful lakes, gardens, and accessible paths
• Distance: 2.5km (1.5 miles)
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Route details: Osterley Park Walk (National Trust)
• Start & finish: visitor car park
• Getting There: You can get the train to Isleworth station (1.5 miles from the park) or Osterley underground (.5 miles from the park). If driving, take the A4 between Hammersmith and Hounslow and follow brown tourist signs. From the west M4, exit three, then follow A312/A4 towards central London. The main gates with Thornbury and Jersey Roads are at the junction. The car park is open from 7 am to 6 pm.
• OS Landranger Map: 176
• OS Explorer Map: 161 and 173
• Where to take a break: Stables Cafe

Ham House From Richmond Walk

This walk covers footpaths and gravel paths. The walk begins at Richmond Station and passes the main entrance to Ham House. This circular walk has excellent views and takes you for a rural riverside stroll along the Thames Path.

• Best for: A peaceful riverside walk
• Distance: 7km (4.5 miles)
• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Route details: Ham House from Richmond Walk (National Trust)
• Start & finish: Richmond Overground/Underground Station
• Getting There: You can quickly get to the station from Central London (within 40 minutes). Many bus routes will get you there – 65, 190, 371, 391, 419, 490, 493, H22, H37, R68, and R70. Richmond station has a pay-and-display car park if you are driving.
• OS Landranger Map: 176
• OS Explorer Map: 161
• Where to take a break: Pizzeria Rustica (near Richmond station)
• Octavia Hill Centenary Trail in Toys Hill

This walk celebrates the life of Octavia Hill, founder of the National Trust. You will pass Crockham Hill village, the church where she was buried, head up Mariners Hill, and pass the former home of Winston Churchill.

• Best for: Celebrating and remembering Octavia Hill (founder of the National Trust in 1895)
• Distance: 9.6km (6 miles)
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Route details: Octavia Hill Centenary Trail (National Trust)
• Start & finish: Toys Hill National Trust car park
• Getting There: Trains are run to Sevenoaks station, and then you can take the 404 bus to Ide Hill. If you are driving, take the A25, and in Bradsted village, take Chart Lane leading to Toys Hill Car Park.
• OS Landranger Map: 188
• OS Explorer Map: 147
• Where to take a break: Raj Bari Indian Restaurant (near Sevenoaks station)

Box Hill to Leatherhead

This walk gets its name from the box trees along the way. However, yew, beech, and oak trees can also be seen along the path. This route involves crossing the River Mole on stepping stones. You might have to make a detour if these are underwater! After crossing the river, head up the steps on the North Downs Way to the top of Box Hill, where you will get a nice view of the valley. This route takes you through woodland, Juniper Top, and White Hill onto Mickleham Downs. You might want to stop for lunch in Mickleham at one of the pubs listed below. Finally, head back along the River Mole valley, through Norbury Park, and into the center of Leatherhead. You should expect two steep climbs at Box Hill and the next at White Hill.

• Best for Box trees and hilltop views
• Distance: 11.5km (7.1 miles)
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Route details: Box Hill to Leatherhead Walk (walkingclub.org)
• Start & finish: Box Hill & Westhumble Station
• Getting There: Trains run from Victoria station to Box Hill & Westhumble. The journey time is around 50 minutes long. There are six trains an hour (4 on Sundays) from Leatherhead to Victoria or Waterloo (journey time 45 minutes). You should buy a day return to Box Hill & Westhumble. The station has a pay and display car park if you are driving.
• Where to take a break: Running Horses Pub or the King William IV Freehouse

“Walking is man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates

Alton Circular in Hampshire

This is the place of inspiration for two famous writers – the naturalist Gilbert White and romantic fiction novelist Jane Austen. This walk takes you past fields to East Worldham and past woods and hidden pastures in Selborne (about which White wrote ‘Natural History‘). You might like to stop at the Station Cafe or The Queens in Selborne for lunch. Then, go past Selborne Common to Chawton (the home of Jane Austen). Many buses are along the way if you ever want to shorten the walk. During your hike, you might like to stop at Gilbert White’s House or Jane Austen’s House.

• Best for: For those who love Jane Austen or Gilbert White
• Distance: 21km (13.1 miles)
• Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Start & Finish: Alton Station
• Getting There: Two trains per hour run between London Waterloo and Alton (one hourly on Sundays). The journey time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. A car park at Alton Station costs £3.60 a day if you are driving. You can also find a free car park near Kings Pond or park anywhere in the town.
  OS Landranger Map: 186
• OS Explorer Map: 133
• Where to take a break: Station Cafe (near Alton Station) or The Queens (in Selborne)

Pluckley Circular in Kent

This walk takes you past small farms, timber-framed houses, pastures, apple orchards, and ancient oaks. This route is almost entirely flat with very gentle gradients. Later on, in the walk, you get a spectacular view across the plains of the Low Weald. There are loads of wildflowers, gardens in bloom, and abundant fruit hanging from trees in the orchards in the summer months. Next, you might stop by the Dering Arms near Pluckley station. This former hunting lodge is now an award-winning pub with superb seafood. If you want to stop walking earlier, you can stop at the Swan Inn, where you can catch a bus to Ashford.

• Best for Apple orchards and stopping at a country pub along the way
• Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Start: Pluckley Station
• Finish: Pluckley or Ashford stations
• Getting There: Two trains per hour (one per hour on Sundays) from Charing Cross to Pluckley. Journey time is one hour, 12-26 minutes. You can expect trains to return to London from Pluckley once every hour. There is a car park at Pluckley Station that costs £2 per day on weekdays but is accessible on the weekends if you are driving.
• OS Landranger Maps: 189
• OS Explorer Maps: 137
• Where to take a break: Dering Arms Pub (book in advance!)

The Balcombe Circular

The start of this walk takes you past a nature reserve and a lake with a Japanese pavilion. You will also come across Nyams Park, a paradise for any garden enthusiast. This beautiful National Trust garden is set around the ruins of a manor house. Discover daffodils, wildflowers, magnolias, camellias, and rhododendrons. You will also pass St Mary’s Parish Church in Slaugham, home to a 600-year-old yew tree—the ruins of Slaugham Place, once a tremendous Elizabethan manor house. The final part of the walk is along the River Ouse, where you can see a Roman arch and columns. The walk ends through fields and woods to the village of Balcombe.

• Best for Beautiful gardens at Nyams Park
• Distance: 17.6km (10.9 miles)
• Duration: 5 hours
• Route details: Balcombe Circular Walk Instructions (walkingclub.org)
• Start & finish: Balcombe train station
• Getting There: Trains are run from London Bridge Station to Balcombe train station (journey time 40 minutes). In addition, there are services from Victoria (journey time 50 minutes). On the way back to London, hourly trains are running from Balcombe.
• OS Explorer Map: 134 and 135
• OS Landranger Map: 187
• Where to take a break: The cafe at Nyams offers a choice of seasonal food and also a Grab & Go kiosk in the tea garden.

“Once I dreamt of a form of poetry created by the sound of feet walking in the grass.” – Cecilia Vicuna

Hurst Green to Oxted in Surrey

This walk takes you through north Kent and Surrey hills and along Greensand Way. Your route is marked by Wolf Woods (with pretty cottages).

• Best for: A gentle and relaxing walk in the woods. Lovely for autumn colors and bluebells in the spring!
• Distance: 8km (4.7 miles)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Start: Hurst Green Station
• Finish: Oxted Station
• Getting There: Two trains per hour (one on Sunday) go from London Victoria to Hurst Green. The journey time is 39 – 49 minutes on Sunday. If you are driving, you can park at Hurst Green and get the train back from Oxted at the end of the walk.
• Where to take a break: The Carpenters Arms (part-way through the walk) or Robertson’s Tearoom (next to the station)

Guildford to Chilworth in Surrey

This route takes you through hidden valleys, ancient woodlands, and pretty farmland below the Downs. You can start the walk by stopping at Guildford Castle and admiring the views over the town from the top of the tower. The walk begins with a climb out of Guildford and into Pewley Down. You will find a concrete plinth commemorating the purchase of Pewley Down in 1920 and as a memorial to those who died in World War 1. There are some benches here that are perfect for a picnic. From this point, head through meadows and woods and along a path between hedges. Head downwards into the valley bottom until you eventually reach the North Downs Way. Follow this path to the church of St Martha-on-the-Hill (see St Martha’s Hill). From here, the route goes through farmland beneath the North Downs escarpment. Turn south towards Chilworth to head toward the station.

• Best for: A lazy stroll.
• Distance: 6.4km (4 miles)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Start: Guildford Station
• Finish: Chilworth Station
• OS Landranger Maps: 186 and 187
• OS Explorer Maps: 145
• Getting There: Trains run several times an hour between London Waterloo and Guilford. The journey time is 38 minutes. You can park at Guildford Station and return to Chilworth by bus or train if you are driving.
• Where to take a break: The Percy Arms near the station (75 Dorking Road)

Ashtead Common, Epsom Common & Princes Coverts in Surrey

This is an accessible route through the Ashtead Common National Nature Reserve, Epsom Common, and the Crown Estates woodland of Prince’s Coverts. You can access the nature reserve from the north side of Ashtead station. You will see well-marked hiking trails. This route is under 5 miles in length. You might want to stop by a pub by the A243 (The Star, Malden Rushett).

• Best for: A wonderful nature reserve
• Distance: 7.4km (4.6 miles)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Map of the walk: Ashtead Common, Epsom Common & Princes Coverts Walk Map (from about-britain.com)
• Start & finish Ashtead Station.
• Getting There: Trains go from London Waterloo to Ashtead station. The journey is 41 minutes from London Waterloo or 45 minutes from London Victoria.
• Where to take a break: The Star Pub

The Polesdon Lacey ‘Big Walk’ in Dorking

This walk is rich in history since it goes through the 1,400-acre estate of the Polesdon Lacey House, with land dating back to Roman Times. There are fantastic views over Surrey Hills. This challenging hike takes you into the heart of Ranmore Common, past working farms, and ancient woodlands.

• Best for Views over Denbies Hillside and wildlife
• Distance: 6.48km (4.2 miles)
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Route details: The Polesdon Lacey Walk (National Trust)
• Start & finish: Polesdon Lacey Theatre Lawn
• Getting There: Trains run to Box Hill and Westhumble stations (2 miles from the start). Or trains to Dorking station (4 miles from the beginning). If you are driving, a car park is open at Polesdon Lacey House from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm.
• Where to take a break: Polesdon Lacey House

“Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it.” – Rumi

Lewes via West Firle Circular in East Sussex

This walk begins in the historic town of Lewes, with views over the city and Lewes Castle. You will eventually reach a valley. The middle section of the walk takes you along the South Downs Way with views toward the port of Newhaven. The final part of the walk re-enters Lewes and takes you along the banks of the River Ouse. This walk has a few steep hills, but the periods in between are level.

The stations help break up each section of this walk: Lewes to Glynde (5km), Glynde to Southease (11.8km), Southease to Lewes (6.5km)

• Best for Views over Lewes Town
• Distance: 23.3km (14.5 miles)
• Duration: 6 hours
• Start & finish Lewes, Glynde, or Southease stations.
• Getting There: Trains are running twice hourly from London Victoria to Lewes. The journey time is one hour and 5 minutes. From London Bridge, change at East Corydon. If you are driving, you can park at Lewes station.
• OS Landranger Map: 198
• OS Explorer Map: 122 and 123
• Where to take a break: Firle’s Ramm Inn or cafe at Southover Grange Gardens

 

Hastings Circular in East Sussex

This walk starts at Hastings Station and takes you through Hastings Old Town and along the seafront at Rock-A-Nore. The walk continues along a steep coastal path in Hastings Country Park with the East Hill funicular railway to your right and towards Fairlight Glen. Head towards the sign ‘Fairlight picnic site 1 mile, North’s Seat 1.25 miles’ and turn left. After passing some woodland on a single path, you will pass the house of Titus Oates (a notorious fraudster), the entrance to Clements Caves, and the ruins of Hastings Castle.

• Best for: A cliff-top coastal walk
• Distance: 9.5km (5.9 miles)
• Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Start & finish: Hastings Station
• Getting There: Two trains per hour (one on Sundays) go from Charing Cross to Hastings. If you are driving, you can park in Hastings.
• OS Landranger Map: 189 and 199
• OS Explorer Map: 124 and 125
• Where to take a break: White’s Seafood & Steak Bar (44 George Street, Old Town)

 

Seaford to Eastbourne in East Sussex

This is a stunning cliff-top walk and is often considered one of the best coastal walks in England. There are beautiful views of the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head along the way. This walk is perfect in the summer since you can swim in the sea at Cuckmere Haven or Birling Gap. Please remember this is a challenging walk with a few steep climbs! The section between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap has a few steep ascents and descents. Also, there is a long climb up to Beachy Head. To make things easier, you can take the bus (the 12), running from Seaford to Eastbourne via Exceat four times an hour on Mon-Sat. On Sundays, you can catch the 13 (twice an hour) at Beachy Head and Birling Gap.

• Best for Sea views!
• Distance: 21km (13.1 miles)
• Duration: 7 hours
• Start: Seaford Station
• Finish: Eastbourne Station
• Getting There: Two trains (one an hour on Sunday) go from London Victoria to Seaford, changing at Lewes. The journey time is 1 hour, 27-34 minutes. There are two direct trains hourly from Eastbourne to Victoria (only one on Sunday, change at Brighton for the other). The journey time is one hour 29 minutes. If you are driving, you can park at Seaford or Exceat and get a bus back at the end of the walk from Eastbourne. You can also park in Lewes, catch trains to Seaford, and return from Eastbourne.
• OS Landranger Map: 199
• OS Explorer Map: 123
• Where to take a break: Front Room Cafe or Frankie’s Beach Cafe

 

The Park Circular Walk at Ankerwycke

This is a very leisurely stroll through the park at Ankerwycke. The path is generally flat, perfect for a relaxed Sunday afternoon excursion. This walk takes you across pretty meadows. Enjoy spotting woodpeckers, dragonflies, or a carpet of snowdrops in the spring! The fascinating part of this walk is finding a 2,000-year-old Ankerwycke Yew at the end of the walk.

• Best for A lazy Sunday afternoon and to admire an ancient yew tree.
• Distance: 1km (.6 miles)
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Route details: Ankerwycke Walk Details (National Trust)
• Start & finish: Car park at Ankerwycke
• Getting There: Trains are running from Wraysbury railway station (this is .8 miles from the start of the walk). If you are driving, head to Wraysbury Road, follow the road round to the left, and after 1 mile, you will find Magna Carta Lane on your left.
• OS Landranger Map: 175 or 176
• Where to take a break: A National Trust tea room is open daily from 9 am-5 pm at the nearby Runnymede visitor center.

“We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down.” – Robert Sweetgall

What are your favorite walks near London? Please share below!

 

Read more posts about London:

—> Discover the best walks in London

—> Inspiration for UK walks

—> Find places to visit in London

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